The Sensei

I found this movie surprisingly good,Some unexpected twists, rich story line, good acting. This is not a martial art movie, this is a good movie set in a martial art background. Its difficult to decide which is better diana lee's acting or her martial arts both are top grade. Louis Mandylor is quite touching with his role. Generally good acting from everyone. The fight scenes are the most realistic i have seen in a very long time. None of the one person beating up 20 people that has become tiresome this days in martial art movies.It also shows the rich character and morale fiber which is what the martial arts is about not just hammering people to a pulp like MMA tries to portray.

I highly recommend The Sensei. I was afraid at first that it would be a cheesy Karate Kid with a gay kid as the lead, but it was so much more than that. The movie dealt with many levels of prejudice, including sexual orientation, race, gender, religion, and HIV. It was touching while sending a powerful message. The depiction of the victimization endured by the lead character was realistic and horrific. Some parts of the film weren't quite as polished and smooth as a major production movie, but it is an independent film. For anyone who has dealt with any sort of prejudice or hatred, this is a movie that will make you feel strong and hopeful. For anyone who doesn't understand what GLBT youth have endured, be it 20 years ago or today, this is a movie that will open your eyes.

I am a martial arts instructor in Boston, MA. I just watched this movie with a group of my adult students. I was very pleased with the film, it's ambition, and Ms. Innosanto's vision to make a martial arts movie that represented the best the martial arts have to offer. The film gracefully takes on some very tough subjects: racism, social phobias, bullying, the challenges of family dynamics, and more. Well written and beautifully shot, this is a great film for anyone looking for a martial-arts-themed movie that goes beyond its genre of "punching and kicking" to get at the "battles" of real life. I loved this movie, and strongly recommend it to anyone interested in martial arts, community activism, and social change. Remarkable effort -- I would strongly recommend this film be used as a tool for teaching respect and tolerance in martial arts clubs, religious organizations, social groups, and even schools!

Thanks to my Roku, I have been discovering alot of older independent gay films. This movie is so good, minus the 80s Aids paranoia it's a really good story. they tackle some heavy issues very well. So glad I found this movie, putting it my favorites list

I just finished watching The Sensei starring Mike O'Laskey. It's a great movie with an amazing story! It tugged at all my heartstrings. Growing up in a super religious family, I related to so many emotions the character Mic portrayed. The montage at the end hit me the most. It's the part of the movie that I think Mic felt happiest. He has amazing personality traits I feel we share in common: nurturer, protector, kindred, and accepting. I used to work at a kids summer camp as camp counselor. I loved interacting with them and tried to be the best role model possible.